23 WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS & ENJOY LIFE A LOT MORE

Life can certainly throw a lot our way! And, we may even wonder how we can possibly juggle ONE MORE THING. That is . . . until the NEXT THING pops up and tosses itself into the mix. Despite the juggling act, we really are rather well-equipped to handle quite a bit of stress, but that continued, never-ending type of stress that keeps our minds and our bodies in a constant state of alert for long periods of time can sneak up and cause some serious damage. Maybe even so without you even realizing it!

You may not be able to eliminate or even decrease your level of responsibilities so easily, but you can make some better choices to counteract the strain. It is possible to escape it, even for a brief period, and give yourself (and your body) a break rather easily. I have some great ideas for you to easily do that, but first, let’s learn a bit more about what that constant type of stress with no let-up can do. But, prepare yourself. . . I am afraid it isn’t good.

STRESS AND HOW IT AFFECTS YOUR MIND AND BODY

Experiencing stress is natural! We wouldn’t grow or learn without it. And, as I said earlier, we are designed to handle it well. In fact, our bodies respond to stress by releasing hormones, increasing our heart and breathing rates, providing more oxygen to the brain – all giving us the ability to respond well to a demanding situation. Amazing, really!

Our everyday pressures at home and at work and even much bigger stresses of loss, big life events or changes, or even traumatic events can keep our stress levels elevated far longer though. And, that type of chronic stress reaction can do this to us:

1. Your mood and relationships can change.

Common symptoms of chronic stress include irritability, anxiety, depression, and even social withdrawal. Throw in there some headaches and certainly sleeping difficulties, too. And, some may even respond with overconsumption of alcohol, drug use, overeating or not eating enough.

2. Your heart deserves overtime pay.

Stress affects your respiratory and cardiovascular systems making your heart work a whole lot harder. Your blood vessels constrict and can raise your blood pressure. All this can make your heart work too hard for far too long making hypertension, stroke and even a heart attack a greater possibility.

3. Your digestive system provides plenty of uncomfortable signals.

That rush of hormones, rapid breathing, and increased heart rate can upset your digestive system, too. Heartburn and acid reflux can result, maybe even ulcers, nausea and the way food moves through your system. Stomach aches are common under stress, too.

4. Pain levels may rise.

We tend to tense up when under stress and over time, that can cause headaches, back and shoulder pain which may have some decrease exercise routines further adding to negative effects of chronic stress.

5. You open the door to bugs.

Your immune system can weaken from chronic stress leaving the door wide open to viral illnesses like influenza and the common cold. It increases the risk of other diseases and infections, too, and can also increase the time it takes to recover from illness or injury.

See? Not good at all! So, scroll on down and find some easy ways to counteract all those negative stresses we seem to experience!

23 EASY WAYS TO INCORPORATE RELAXATION INTO YOUR DAY TO BRING YOUR STRESS-LEVEL DOWN

In this series, I illustrate many ways to organize yourselfto lead the healthy life you desire. But, let’s consider dialing it back a bit and do less this time. Yes, how about do less to have more? I have 23 suggestions for you to do just that — slow down and unwind and do so often – daily hopefully. Flip through the list and see what actions you can take (even right now as some are THAT EASY) and let’s get focused on doing less to relax more:

1. Be permissive.

This is important for many. Give yourself permission to slow down. Say it out loud if you must.

2. Turn the dial.

Find one or two relaxing music stations to set in your car and at home or create a soothing playlist or two to quiet your mind and decrease your heartbeat. On your drive home from work, skip the news at least a few times a week and unwind with some great music to revive you.

4. Seek the crunch.

Reach for a healthy crunchy food like celery, nuts or a hard apple to take the brunt of your stress.

5. Don’t be afraid of needles.

Acupuncture is incredibly relaxing and forces you to chill-out. After all, you don’t want to move and disturb all those needles!

6. Create a cozy nook.

Make sure there is a quiet area in your home or yard where you can decompress. Associate that area with a time to relax and listen to nature. Some even create a mediation room and if that appeals to you, go for it!

7. Retreat from your routine.

Getting away from everyone and everything for a night or weekend or even longer just may be the ticket for you to truly relax and reset a new course. Sign up for a retreat, plan a little vaca and make it an annual escape that you look forward to for yourself.

8. Technology can help.

Send phone reminders to yourself to do nothing for 10 minutes and let your mind wander and don’t focus on any problems . . . at all. They will still be there when you get back (sorry!) but you will be refreshed deleting them for a brief respite.

9. Lower the eyelids.

Yes, just rest those hard-working peeps and close your eyes. Let the hectic day go black to regain some calm.

17. A little dab will do.

Tap a bit of lavender, tea tree, citrus or another essential oil onto your wrist. But, remember always mix essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil so that you don’t burn your skin! The scents may activate smell receptors in the nose that can stabilize our emotions in our brain.

18. Find the light.

If you are lucky enough to have a sunny day, step outside and show some appreciation and look to the sun. Bright light can be an effective treatment for people who suffer from depression and can cheer up just about anyone. Talk a walk in that sun too for even greater stress relief.

19. Write it all down.

Yup, everything you have to do and/or all your worries – write it down and release it all with no editing. Seeing it on paper can help you get organized in your life and in your mind. Just the act of writing can help create solutions and release emotions, too.

20. Move your limbs.

No list to destress could go without exercise as a great solution to deplete those stress reactions. A simple walk around the block to a full-out session at the gym can really help you feel and look better too.

21. Refocus your mind.

Sometimes if impatiently waiting, occupying your mind with a game or puzzle can redirect your brain to other efforts and take your mind off the waiting and worrying game.

22. Find your four-legged friends.

Time with your pets is an instant stress-reliever. Laugh, snuggle and just enjoy the presence of your fur family.

Excellent tips here and we certainly think alike. These tips are so easy to put into place which is so important when we are stressed we don't want anything too complicated. A good workout is my go to stress relives. #PinterestGame Sue from Sizzling Towards Sixty.

Great blog that I pinned to blogs I like. You presented so many ideas to make life less cluttered. Saw it at the Happy Healthy Green Natural Party! I wrote about #19 Journal Writing (my post is 4 Powerful Reasons Journal Writing is Good for the Soul. Please get it out and get social with me. Nancy A @ obloggernewbie.blogspt.com

As a caregiver to an elderly parent who has a chronic illness, stress is now an ever present reality in my life! I have to remember to relieve some of that pressure by employing some of these 23 awesome tips! I love massage, acupuncture and essential oils! Thanks for sharing these gems with us at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I'm pinning and sharing!

Lovely tips!I have tried unwinding the past years, but I think that only after letting it all go in July that I found my true path.There are things I can still improve, but I'm better now than months ago. I'm not a rush either. If I can improve one little thing a day, I'm already happy.Beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you really very much for sharing it on #TipTuesday.

If my head ever gets in a mess a brisk walk seems to allow me to straighten out the thought patterns. If I can do this on the beach with the fresh sea air it is even better. You have some great tips for the readers on Fridays Blog Booster Party #18Thanks, Kathleen